City of Troy to feature statues of Uncle Sam in new public art exhibit

Ilene Frank, executive director of the Rensselaer County Historical Society, speaks about Sam Wilson, one of America's most iconic historical images during Saturday morning press conference in which the Uncle Sam Project was announced. The Uncle Sam Project a public art exhibit scheduled for next spring in which 25 uniquely decorated, six-foot tall statues of the historic icon will be installed throughout the city's downtown streets. (Jeff Couch / The Record)

During a Saturday morning press conference, Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia announces the Uncle Sam Project, a public art exhibit scheduled for next spring in which 25 uniquely decorated, six-foot tall statues of the historic icon will be installed throughout the city's downtown streets. (Jeff Couch / The Record)

TROY -- Bennington has its moose, Saratoga has its horses and Catskill has its cats. And now, thanks to a partnership between the City of Troy, the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District (BID), the Arts Center of the Capital Region, and the Rensselaer County Historical Center, along with funding from the Rubin Foundation, Troy will have its Uncle Sam - statues, that is.

On Saturday, city officials launched The Uncle Sam Project, a collaborative initiative that will showcase 25, six-foot likenesses of Sam Wilson hand-painted by local artists which will go on display throughout downtown Troy sometime in the spring. Sage College's Rubin Fellowship Program is funding the project.

"This is an incredible project that combines our city's proud connection to history with the creativity, talent and sense of community that make Troy such a wonderful place to be," Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia said. "Next spring, downtown Troy will be transformed with sculptures that will celebrate the work of some of the area's best artists while honoring the legacy of Uncle Sam - forever part of Troy's and America's patriotic tradition."

Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino lauded the project as an ideal way to get Troy's businesses and organizations involved in working together to promote all the city has to offer.

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"Uncle Sam epitomizes our Nation's dedication to the continued support of the men and women of our Armed Forces and we are proud of the fact that Uncle Sam called Troy home," Jimino said. "As I have said many times before, Troy, and Rensselaer County are rich with the historical heritage and attractions that draw visitors from far and wide. And I am confident that this initiative will draw even more attention to Troy and the many opportunities that exist here."

Local businesses can get involved by sponsoring a statue and working with the selected artist on its overall design. Businesses that sponsor a statue will have it installed in front of their shop and will be given the option of keeping it after the exhibition, according to Elizabeth Young, executive director of the Downtown Troy BID and Uncle Sam Project coordinator.

Fiberglass Uncle-Sam shaped sculptures are currently being produced in Maine and artists of all talent levels are being sought to bring the statues to life, Young said.

"Downtown Troy is a city rich with history, art and some wonderful independent local businesses," she said. "The Uncle Sam Project will connect all three, and really showcase our walkable downtown."

Installation of the sculptures on the sidewalks of downtown Troy is slated for April 26 and expected to be a family-friendly event. Guided tours showcasing the finished works of art are planned, Young said.

As part of the project, the Rensselaer County Historical Society will provide Uncle Sam-themed programming and host children's school groups for guided tours of the exhibition.

Funding for the Uncle Sam Project is from a grant from the Sage College's Louis and Hortense Rubin Community Fellows Program - a cooperative venture between higher learning institutions in Troy and participating agencies in Rensselaer County involving faculty and community collaboration.

"Sage is both privileged and proud to be playing once again a leadership role in what is but the latest in a long line of worthy projects funded by the Rubin Fellows Program," Dr. Susan C. Scrimshaw, President of The Sage Colleges said. "Sage prides itself on its commitment to both the performing and visual arts, so being in a position to provide the faculty expertise for the Uncle Sam Project is particularly gratifying. I know all of us who take an active role in working to improve Troy view this project as yet another example of the great things we can accomplish as a team committed to the future of this amazing city."

Kelly Jones, Assistant Professor for Art Education, will represent the Sage Colleges working with Troy BID, the Rensselaer County Historical Society and the Arts Center on the Uncle Sam Project.

Applications are now being accepted from artists wishing to decorate a statue and can be downloaded at www.troybid.org.